PRIMARY 2026: Columbus County and Statewide Races Deliver Clear Winners and Tight Finishes

Statewide Contests Show Strong Front‑Runners

North Carolina’s 2026 primary elections produced decisive statewide victories and competitive local outcomes Tuesday night, with all 16 Columbus County precincts reporting. Voters shaped key races for sheriff, county commissioners, and District Attorney, while also weighing in on high‑profile U.S. Senate and congressional contests. All results remain unofficial until certified by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

U.S. Senate — Democratic Primary

Roy Cooper dominated the Democratic ballot in Columbus County, earning 1,706 votes (86.69%). The remaining five candidates trailed far behind:

• Marcus W. Williams — 94 (4.78%)
• Daryl Farrow — 60 (3.05%)
• Robert Colon — 46 (2.34%)
• Justin E. Dues — 36 (1.83%)
• Orrick Quick — 26 (1.32%)

U.S. Senate — Republican Primary

Michael Whatley led the Republican field with 2,949 votes (63.79%), more than tripling the totals of the next‑closest contenders:

• Thomas Johnson — 429 (9.28%)
• Donald M. (Don) Brown — 422 (9.13%)
• Elizabeth A. Temple — 291 (6.29%)
• Michele Morrow — 217 (4.69%)
• Richard Dansie — 166 (3.59%)
• Margot Dupre — 149 (3.22%)

U.S. House of Representatives — District 7 (Republican)

Incumbent Rep. David Rouzer cruised to a commanding lead with 4,310 votes (86.84%), defeating challenger David Buzzard, who received 653 votes (13.16%).

Judicial Races

Columbus County voters favored:

• Matt Smith for Court of Appeals Seat 01 (R) — 2,386 (54.74%)
• Christine Marie Walczyk for Court of Appeals Seat 03 (D) — 1,180 (62.97%)

Local Races Shape Columbus County’s Political Landscape

District Attorney — District 15 (Republican)

The tightest race of the night saw J.K. Somers narrowly ahead with 2,436 votes (50.43%), edging out Jenna Earley, who finished with 2,394 votes (49.57%). The 42‑vote margin may draw close scrutiny during canvass.

Columbus County Sheriff — Republican Primary

W.A. “Bill” Rogers emerged from a four‑candidate field with 2,258 votes (42.57%), securing the nomination. The remaining candidates finished as follows:

• Joshua McPherson — 1,709 (32.22%)
• Ken Elliott — 788 (14.86%)
• Kevin S. Norris — 549 (10.35%)

County Commissioner — District 6 (Republican)

Jeanne McPherson won with 665 votes (53.80%), defeating:

• Ricky Bullard — 522 (42.23%)
• Jody (JL) Hinson — 49 (3.96%)

County Commissioner — District 7 (Democratic)

Jeff Register carried the district decisively with 134 votes (72.04%), ahead of:

• Alonzo McArthur — 52 (27.96%)

Election Night Takeaways

• Cooper and Whatley showed overwhelming strength in their Senate primaries.
• Rouzer continues to dominate the 7th Congressional District.
• Rogers secured a clear win in the sheriff’s race.
• McPherson and Register advance to November in their commissioner districts.
• Somers vs. Earley stands out as one of the closest DA primaries in recent county history.
• Certification of results is expected within 10 days.

Full Results Board (Columbus County)

U.S. Senate — Democratic

Cooper 1,706; Williams 94; Farrow 60; Colon 46; Dues 36; Quick 26.

U.S. Senate — Republican

Whatley 2,949; Johnson 429; Brown 422; Temple 291; Morrow 217; Dansie 166; Dupre 149.

U.S. House District 7 — Republican

Rouzer 4,310; Buzzard 653.

Court of Appeals Seat 01 — Republican

Smith 2,386; Byrne 1,973.

Court of Appeals Seat 03 — Democratic

Walczyk 1,180; Whalen 694.

District Attorney District 15 — Republican

Somers 2,436; Earley 2,394.

Commissioner District 6 — Republican

McPherson 665; Bullard 522; Hinson 49.

Commissioner District 7 — Democratic

Register 134; McArthur 52.

Sheriff — Republican

Rogers 2,258; McPherson 1,709; Elliott 788; Norris 549.

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